What happens if Microsoft’s proposed $69bn buyout of Activision Blizzard falls through, as seems distinctly possible following the Competition and Markets Authority’s shock decision to block the deal?
It’s a question Xbox boss Phil Spencer reportedly answered to staff at an all-hands meeting on Thursday, according to Bloomberg (paywall).
According to Bloomberg, Spencer stressed Microsoft remains committed to getting the deal over the line while acknowledging the damaging impact of this week’s events. The company, alongside Activision Blizzard, plans to appeal.
Spencer apparently told staff the acquisition of Activision Blizzard is meant to speed up Microsoft’s gaming plans, but isn’t the be-all and end-all of the company’s gaming strategy, which would “move ahead” even without the firm behind Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush.